New Ulm weekly review., 1887-08-31
WASHINGTON LETTER.
Washington, d. G. Aug. %, s

WASHINGTON LETTER.
Washington, d. G. Aug. %, 1887.
Secretary Lamars' decision referring
to settlement of the indemnity lands
that were granted by Congress to the
Atlantic and Pacific Railroad Company
has come to be regarded as a polite
deal, designed for the double purpose Of
helping the waning fortunes of Cleve-
land and conciliating the settlers upon
public lands, whom the ruinous and
short-sighted policy Of Commissioner
Sparks has offended almost beyond
measure. That the railroad and the
others affected by the sorder will not
surrender without a great fight is clear
and so the misguided settlers who squat
upon these lands will find to their sor-
row that they have become involved in
interminal litigation with wealthy cor
porations. But what cares Cleveland
for the woes of the poor squatters, if he
can only make some cheap political
capital that will temporarily serve his
purpose in ambitioning a second term.
The report Of the appointments of
postmasters during this Administration
shows that the Democratic spoilsmen
have gained great harvest in this field
of reform. It shows that for the
last fiscal year 3,048 new postohices
were established number discontin-
ued, 1900; appointments on resigna-
tions and commissions expired, 5,863 5;
on removals and suspensions, 1854 !; on
changes of names and sites, 482 on
deaths of postmasters, $50. The whole
number of appointments of postmast-
ers Of all grades during the year was
1909. The total number of appoint
ments for the years 1885 and 1886 were
22,747 and 9,547 respectively, making
total of 46,378 for the three years.
This is pretty near approach to q
clean sweep, and the few Republicans
who are still in office will likely have
to go out in another year.
Since writing,,you last, the Secretary
Of the Navy has taken other important
steps in constructing the navy, by
awarding the contract for building two
gunboats and three steel cruisers, of
the latest improved. modern designs
with the fullest speed, capacity and gem
eral equipment. The Secretary has
also given. an English Company the
prize of $15, 900 authorized by Congress
for the best design of a torpedo boat,
and the probability is that such a de-
structive vessel will at no distant day
be added to the navy.
After tedious delays, the trial of Dr..
Crawford, of the Navy, on the charge
of fornication with schoolgirl Of IA
has ended in his conviction on two
counts, with sentence of six months
in the District jail for each ofense, but
on appealing the case to the Supreme
Court of the District, he was released
on bail of $1,000, The coniding vic
tim of the tlecherous dude masquerad.
ing in blue uniform and brass buttons,
has been spirited away, and her abode
is mystery. If the fallen surgeon
does not resign from the Navy, he will
probably be court-martialed.
Great science dropped his head in
sorrow when the light faded from the
weary eyes of the genius of the world
| noted Smithsonian Institution, Spencer
F. Baird. This devotee of science,
though one of the ripest scholars of the
age, was lifelong student in the pro.
fession to which he dedicated himself
in early life with a passionate devotion
only quenched by the shadow of the
grave itself. Professor Baird, who was
chiefly instrumental in establishing and
bringing to its present proportions the
United States Fish Commission, and
for that beneticient work, which will be
associated with his memory throughout
many years, the American people owe
the dead scientist a debt of gratitude
that should be perpetuated in towering
marble. ..Verily his works do follow
him.., for millions Of silyery fish thai
sport and sparkle in our limpid, laugh.
ing waters are the bright evangels Q!
his fame.
County Commissioners
July Session.
(Concluded.)
TUESDAY AUGUST 9th 1887
AFTERNOON SESSION.
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